Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Mechanical problems - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Disappointed - March 28 - 10:40 am

  After ONLY 300 miles the engine broke down while driving on a highway nearly caused accident. Dealer had to dismantle entire engine. Obviously, this buyer is extremely disappointed and considers the vehicle unreliable.

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  Engine Mounts - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ssethuma - March 26 - 9:37 am

  I have a 2004 Honda Odyssey with 65K miles and have been thinking of trading it in for a 201 model. But recently I had the front engine mount fail and it cost be about $450. Seems like a manufacturing problem and a common one with Odysseys with 60K+ miles (search internet). So if you are thinking of buying a new or an old one, you may want to look up the repair history of these.

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  Never again... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Elijah - March 14 - 11:50 pm

  My first and last Honda. Rear brake job after 9 months - $180. Seats are most uncomfortable - after 1.5 years of ownership still trying to find a comfortable position. Exterior and interior design is sub par at best. Fuel efficiency is horrible - fill up every 7-9 days - $45 - driving to and from work and school. I am not quite sure what I was thinking when I bought this vehicle. Disappointed. Frustrated. Cannot wait to get rid of.

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  Do Not Buy a Honda - Many Problems - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By steve - March 9 - 9:15 pm

  This car is a lemon and has transmission and engine problems. Torque Converter problem with transmission is a known problem they cant fix. They keep getting service updates for the computer but still can t figure it out. Seems like Honda is on its way to Toyotaville. So many problems covered up so the reliability of Japanese cars is now just history. Too bad.

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  Thought I had a good Deal - 2002 Honda Passport
  By berndie10 - March 9 - 10:31 am

  I liked my car when purchased & thought this is a good car turned out to be a bummer.After only 4 months the transmission is not shifting properly & the closed system makes it impossible to check fluid level. What a bummer.

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  Worst Car Ive ever owned! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jay424 - March 6 - 3:58 pm

  Im tired of people saying that Hondas are good because theyre not. Ive had my accord for 7 years and have had 3 transmissions, rear brake caliber snap and leak fluid, 3 power windows went out at once. Also have power seats that move when the car comes to a stop. The first month and a half after I had the car, it spent 5 weeks in the dealership to fix the seats that move. The dealer originally gave me back the car, but destroyed the interior of the car. Ive also had a TCS module replaced and my car also has rust on the hood. Hondas build garbage automobiles. I would never buy another Japanese car again. What a waste of $30k. Im going to buy a 2011 Mustang, with good FORD quality.

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  I hate my accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By None - March 4 - 12:56 pm

  I have owned many cars, for 08 Honda took a step BACK in quality. Never have I despised a car as much as my 2008 accord EX. My car has less than 40,000 miles and I have replaced the rear brakes THREE times! Each time at about $200 at the dealer. The dealer told me they are designed to be quiet, so they wear out fast. Be prepared for an additional couple hundred dollars in repairs every few months if you are considering buying. Interior noise is MISERABLE. Road noise is insanely loud as is wind noise. Dealer looked into the issue and stated my car is flaw free, Accords are just noisy. Horrible build quality with that much noise. Trading the car in, will never buy Honda again.

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  Unhappy buyer - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Sanjay - March 4 - 8:13 am

  Worst car Ive ever had. Problem after problem pretty much right off the lot. Transmission, engine mounts, wheel bearings (twice), suspension. Ive plowed so much money into this car it makes me want to cry and I still feel it will easily break down on me on the highway etc. This has been the worst used car buying experience in my life. Next time I will go to Ford - I hear they are topnotch now. I don not recommend this car or Honda to anyone.

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  Never buy a honda - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By julieinky - March 2 - 7:25 pm

  Have owned Odessey since 10-08.My husband and I thought we were buying a reliable vehicle for our family, but proven wrong!While driving with our 2 children in the van hit the brakes to slow down and the vehicle accelerated on its own.We had to fight to keep from hitting the turning car in front of us.Had in dealership 6 times to fix the problem NOT fixed yet. This isnt a constant problem and dealer can not diagnose a problem. May not happen for another 600 miles. Therefore while driving constantly have hand on gear shift in case the van needs to be put in neutral.Scared to death to have kids in the van. Air leaks, wind noise, interior lights come for no reason!

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  Vastly over-rated - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Michael - February 14 - 11:27 am

  Do NOT buy this car! Too much cheap interior plastic that peels off, plastic bumper covers that scratch when you look cross-eyed at them. Electric doors that open/close when they want, not when you want. Un-padded carpeting will kill your knees when putting luggage in the back. Folding rear seat hooks stick out of sides and eliminate 4 inches of space for sliding things in. And a transmission that only lasts 120,000 miles!